Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck - What's the Difference?

I've had 3 kids and definitely need some help in my stomach area, but I'm not sure if I would need liposuction, a tummy tuck, or both to get the pre-baby look I want.

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The difference between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck...

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck are two excellent procedures to help contour the body, however, the two procedures are very different. Liposuction is procedure which directly removes fat from the desired site by using a canula to suction the fat. As healing takes place, the skin can contract, leaving a nicely contoured body area. It can be used on the thighs, hips, stomach, flanks, arms, back, and neck with great results. A Tummy Tuck is a procedure used to remove excess... more

Do Liposuction First

My medical philosophy is to do the least invasive procedure first, whenever possible. It is pretty well established that tumescent liposuction of the abdomen (using only local anesthetic) has far fewer risks for the patient that a tummy tuck procedure (larger surgical procedure done under general anesthesia). When considering liposuction vs. tummy tuck, many patients mistakenly think that they have to choose either one or the other. I give them a third option - do a simple liposuction... more

Tummy tuck or liposuction after pregnancy depends on the amount of loose skin vs fat

In many cases both tummy tuck and liposuction done together give you the best result. The key is the amount of loose skin and fat in the abdomen following pregnancy. If the problem is primarily loose skin with very little fat, then a tummy tuck alone will remove loose skin and tighten the tummy. However, if there are significant amounts of fat then a liposuction will also be needed. Another important issue is whether the loose skin is below the belly button. If it is then a mini... more

Difference Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) and Liposuction

It really is difficult to say without an exam, but typcially, once you have had children, it is more likely that you will experience a better result from a tummy tuck. I have explained this in greater detail below. LIPOSUCTION An office visit/consultation (complimentary) is mandatory prior to scheduling the procedure. There is no way to give you an accurate quote via E-mail. We have 300lb individuals and 120lb individuals who ask about liposuction. It would not be fair to give both the... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

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Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck - What's the Difference?

Pregnancy really takes a toll on a woman's abdomen. When evaluating a patient such as yourself there are three areas that must be evaluated to determine which operation is best for you. First is the skin. Pregnancy really damages your abdominal skin. If there is a lot of loose skin this is best corrected by a tummy tuck. Second is the state of the muscles. Pregnancy causes a widening of the abdominal musculature which can only be addressed with a tummy tuck.... more

Liposuction vs. tummy tuck

Liposuction is sculpting and selective removal of some of the fat between the skin and muscle in the tummy and hip areas. A tummy tuck is removal of the loose skin that can be left behind after the changes from pregnancy with tightening of the muscle "fascia" to improve the appearance as well as function of the rectus abdominis (six pack muscles). This is also done usually in conjunction with some liposuction throughout the hips and thigh areas. If you have had three... more

Liposuction versus tummy tuck for pre-baby look

Which one is best for you- liposuction versus tummy tuck- depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Liposuction is a great way to get rid of fat, but will not get rid of stretch marks or extra skin, and will not bring together stretched apart abdominal muscles. (Liposuction in the wrong candidate can actually make you look worse!) A tummy tuck can get rid of extra lower abdominal fat, skin, some (occasionally all) stretch marks, and bring together the abdominal muscles to get you back to... more

Tummy Tuck or Lipo

Usually someone who has had three full term pregnancies will have excess skin. Liposuction alone really does nothing to address this problem. A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, involves removal of both skin and fat as well as tightening of the abdominal muscles which often have some laxity, especially after multiple pregnancies.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

In my practice near San Francisco we encourage patients to think of their abdomen as two parts. The first is abdominal volume, the second is the skin envelope around the abdomen. Each may have a need for cosmetic improvement and the approach for managing a particular patient must be carefully tailored for that patient. Lipo is great for targeted permanent fat removal but not as good for skin envelope reshaping. Even with new gadgets like "laser lipo" most of the time if there is... more

The goal in liposuction is to remove fat from the abdomen.

A tummy tuck or an abdominoplasty also removes excess skin. Usually women who have had kids are best suited for a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty. Women who have not had kids and find their abdominal area has a persistent pocket of fat are ideal candidates for liposuction of the abdomen.